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Lesley Parr, Lizzie Huxley-Jones and Michelle Briscombe shortlisted for Tir na n-Og Awards
Books by Lesley Parr, Lizzie Huxley-Jones and Michelle Briscombe have been shortlisted for the 2023 English-language Tir na n-Og Awards, which celebrate stories from and about Wales.
These are the oldest awards for children’s literature in Wales, and they are held every year by the Books Council of Wales, supported by CILIP Cymru Wales. They celebrate the talents of authors and illustrators who either create original works in Welsh, or who write about authentically Welsh themes or backgrounds through the medium of English.
Briscombe’s The Ghosts of Craig Glas Castle (Candy Jar Books) is featured on the shortlist, alongside Huxley-Jones’ Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend (Knights of) and Parr’s Where the River Takes Us (Bloomsbury Publishing).
Influencer and presenter Ellis Lloyd Jones revealed the list on Instagram and TikTok. The shortlisted books celebrate "all things beastly, ghostly and mysterious" and "take young readers on three awesome adventures rooted in Welsh history and myth".
The panel also wanted to give "special recognition" to four titles submitted from the Welsh Wonders series (Broga) – a series of books that spotlight the lives and achievements of notable Welsh people – comprising Ann by Menna Machreth, illustrated by Emily Kimbell, Laura by Mari Lovgreen, illustrated by Sara Rhys, Betty by Nia Morais, illustrated by Anastasia Magloire, and Wallace by Aneirin Karadog, illustrated by Alyn Smith.
The English-language panel was chaired by Simon Fisher, and included judges Elizabeth Kennedy, Karen Gemma Brewer and Katie Rees.
"The Tir na n-Og Award is all about authentic Welsh subject matter which these three stories have in abundance," Fisher said. "The judges believe that the shortlist is relevant and relatable to children across Wales and that the assured writing delivers a captivating and enjoyable experience. The three titles each have a unique and lasting identity that allows readers to explore and understand emotive topics while also adding to a shared cultural identity.”
The winner of the English-language category will be announced on Friday 17th May at the CILIP Cymru Wales conference in Cardiff. Moreover, the winners of the Welsh-language categories will be announced on Wednesday 29th May at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Meifod.
Bookshops and libraries will be holding Tir na n-Og treasure hunts over the Easter holidays for children.
